Karnataka reinforces rules for sale of petrol and diesel; rationing reports spark confusion

The Karnataka Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department on Monday issued strict rules for retail petrol depots on sale and distribution of petrol and diesel, even as reports of fuel rationing in some districts in northern Karnataka triggered confusion.

On May 8, the ministry instructed all fuel stations to strictly comply with regulated dispensing norms, warning that violations could lead to cancellation of licences. He reminded that sales points are not allowed to distribute more than 200 liters of fuel in accordance with the 2002 regulation, and these quantities can only be supplied through direct sales mechanisms and warehouses. According to the instructions, fuel should only be dispensed into vehicle fuel tanks or authorized containers. Petrol depots are also prohibited from supplying petrol or diesel in bottles, plastic cans or unauthorized containers under any circumstances.

Meanwhile, a petrol depot owner in Hubballi said that company officials have given verbal instructions to their outlets to limit fuel supply to a maximum of 25 liters for cars and 150 liters for trucks and other commercial vehicles. However, another bunk bed owner in the city explained that although there were discussions regarding the ration card, no official communication was received. He added that in line with the instructions of the Deputy Commissioner, fuel stations have already stopped dispensing fuel in containers such as cans and bottles.

Despite the reports, the situation on the ground appeared largely normal and there were no visible restrictions for customers. Staff at several gas depots said: Hindu He said that they did not receive any instructions from their management regarding fuel rationing. However, they acknowledged that the ban on fueling containers affects businesses that rely on diesel for generators.

Meanwhile, there was no disruption or fuel rationing in Bengaluru. Ravi Kumar, owner of an oil depot in Bilekahalli, stated that such a ration card has not been decided in the city. According to Shashikala Nagaraj, president of the Mysore Petroleum Traders Federation, there were no instructions regarding fuel rationing in Mysuru either. He confirmed that gas depots have been directed not to dispense fuel in cans or bottles only as a precautionary measure.